It is disappointing, at the very least, that despite all of the supposed checks and balances in place, which have left honest actors running from pillar to post to get legitimate documentation and other works processed, universities are still able to set up and operate questionable degree programmes for several years and face almost no consequences.
At the same time, we cannot forget the adage that a fool and his money are easily parted – a degree from an unaccredited programme is worthless, so students and their families should make sure that any programmes they are applying to are recognised. This is not very difficult, as most universities publicly post their accreditation information, and accrediting bodies typically offer free, user-friendly tools for cross-checking. In the case of medical institutes, the process is even easier, because while some universities can claim they are seeking accreditation while still admitting students, medical programmes must be fully accredited before students can be registered.
That said, oversight bodies regularly fail to do their jobs. A parliamentary committee was previously informed that 15 medical colleges were registered without inspection during the PTI era, and over 50 nursing schools were found to be substandard. In a country where the health sector is already in disarray, mismanagement and deceptive degree offerings will only compound the problems.